The Return of a Soap Opera Legend: Louise Sorel's Vivian Alamain Reappears on DAYS of Our Lives
The iconic villainess Vivian Alamain is back on the small screen, and it's none other than the legendary Louise Sorel bringing her to life once again. After a nearly year-long absence, Sorel returns to the beloved daytime drama, Days of Our Lives, for another appearance as the memorable character. Her journey with the show began in 1992, and she's been a fan favorite ever since.
The Alamain Legacy
Sorel's portrayal of Vivian Alamain has become iconic, with her first run ending in 2000 and subsequent returns in 2009-2011, 2017-2018, 2020, 2023, 2024, and 2025. The character's popularity led to special appearances by other Daytime Emmy Award winners as Vivian. In 2019, Robin Strasser (ex-Dorian Lord from One Life to Live) briefly took on the role, and Linda Dano (ex-Felicia Gallant from Another World) portrayed Vivian in 2021. In 2015, Sorel reflected on her early days with the show, recalling her first day on set, where she had to shoot someone and exclaim, 'I shoot first and ask questions later.' This memorable introduction set the tone for her portrayal of the eccentric and cunning Vivian.
One of the show's most infamous storylines in 1992 saw Vivian bury Carly alive, and over the years, her schemes only became more outlandish. In 1995, Vivian gave birth to Philip after stealing Kate and Victor's embryo and having it implanted into her own uterus! When Sorel returned to the role in 2024, she discussed the character's evolution, noting that despite the changes in storylines and people's needs, Vivian's core traits remain. She emphasized that the character's desperation and humor are still present, and it's never challenging for her to reconnect with Vivian's essence.
A Memorable Character
Sorel's dedication to her craft is evident in her ability to embody Vivian so convincingly. She shared that the essence of Vivian is always within her, even when she's not playing the role. This unique connection to the character allows her to bring Vivian back to life effortlessly, ensuring that the character remains a fan favorite for generations to come.
